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GATLINBURG, Tenn. -- A mandatory evacuation has been issued for the city of Gatlinburg and nearby communities in Tennessee as wildfires continue to spread throughout the drought-stricken region.

The Southeast's worst drought in nearly a decade will no doubt make it difficult for firefighters to corral at least 14 fires in and around Gatlinburg, a popular tourist gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller said Monday evening that crews are battling wind gusts of up to 70 mph. "If you're a person of prayer, we could use your prayers," Miller told reporters.

City officials have declared mandatory evacuations in several areas, according to WATE.

The national park has closed some of its roads because of the fire danger, including Gatlinburg Bypass.

More on the bad news: High winds are possible across eastern Tennessee, southwest Virginia and southwest North Carolina, according to the National Weather Service. They could down trees and power lines and fan the flames.

This has broken my heart. Smokey Mtns on fire, gatlinburg evacuated. This is the spur, next to the road. 💔 pic.twitter.com/Nt8Kx6zmyN